Oxygen-generator.



T. GRISWOLD, Jn. & E. 0. BARSTOW. OXYGEN GENERATOR. APPucArloN min Amma. |910.

Patented May 25, 1915.

T. GRISWOLD, In. 6: E. 0. BARSTOW.

OXYGEN GENERATOR.

Prucnlon mnu Aue. ls. Ism.

1,140,373. Pand May 25,1915.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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#M16-$56.11. l ZzvlaaZ-S' UNITED .STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS GRISWOLD, JR., AND EDWIN O. BARSTOW, 0F MIDLAND, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOM BY HESNE ASSIGNIENTS, T0 THE CLEVELAND TRUST (20M. PAJIY, TRUSTEE, 0l' CLEVELAND, OHIO, A CORPORATION 0F 0R10.

OXYGEN-GENERATOR.

Specieation of Letters Ratent.

Patented May 25, 1915.

Application med Augult 18, 1910. Serial lo. 577,818.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that we, THOMAS Gmswow, Jr., and EDWIN O. BAns'row, citizens of the United States, and residents of Midland, county of Midland, and State of Michigan, have jointly invented a new and useful Improvement in Oxygen-Generators, of which the following is a specification, the principle of the invention bein herein explained and the best mode in w lch we have contemplated applying that principle, so as to distinguish it from other inventions.

The present invention relates to gas generators, and has particular regard for the provision of a machine for the generation of oxygen.

gen gas is generated from chlorid of lime or bleaching powder, which is mixed with fwater and to which is added a catalyzer.

. This process may be performed by mixing with a suitable amount of bleaching powder a small percentage of copper sulfate or other analogous catalyzer, and to the mixture of the two water is added, and the temperature of the whole mixture is then raised. The consequent reaction results in the liberation of oxygen while calcium chlorid is formed which remains in solution. Various uses of oxygen in the industrial arts, as for instance, Oxy-acetylene welding, demand that oxygen shall be generated in some convenient and cheap manner from an inexpensive material, and it is the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus adapted to' this economical generation of oxygen. To the accomplishmemt of these and related ends, said invention, then, consists of the means hereinafter full described and particularly pointed out 1n the claims.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detail certain mechanism embodyin the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but one of the various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawings z-Figure l is a front elevation of an apparatus embodying our invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof; Fig. 3 is a central vertical section The generator is especiallyfa adapted to perform the process wherein oxy' 'enterjing the generating cham with of the complete apparatus remove Fig. 4 is a plan of the apparatus with certain parts removed' Fi 5 is a central section of a Washing c am er; Figs. 6 and 7 are respectively top and bottom plan views of such washing chamber; Fig. 8 is a central vertical section of a second washing chamber; Figs. 9 and 10 are respectively top and bottom plan views of such second washing chamber; Fig. 11 is a detail of one pipe; and F 1gs. 12 and 13 are plans of two cooperating elements forming a grinder.

The apparatus comprises a cylindrical receptacle A which may be made of any suitable material and lined, if preferred, with some material adapted to reslst the chemical actions, the receptacleI being provided with any suitable support. The top of the receptacle A is open, and between its top and bottom it is provided with a horizontally arranged hfplper shaped partition a, so that it divides e receptacle A. into a lower chamber B which forms a generatin chamber, and an upper chamber C whic forms a mixing chamber. A pipe b is supported from the partition a, opening into the bottom of the mixing chamber C and extending to aA level near the bottom of the chamber B. The partition a adjacent the upper end of the pipe b is provided with inwardly extending corrugations or ribs a. Extending through the two chambers C and B, and arranged to be driven above the receptacle A by suitable caring, is a rotatable shaft D which exten s downwardl through the pipe b. The shaft D is provided with outwardly extending corrugations or ribs d adjacent to the projections a with which the partition a. is provided. The shaft D is furthermore provided with a plurality of radial arms d borne near the bottom of the mixing chamber C, and also with a plurality of radial arms d2 borne by said shaft near the bottom of the generating chamber B. The receptacle A is provided with a suitable man-hole a.2 and with a steam supply pipe a3, while at another point in its cylindrical wall it is provided with a. discharge pipe a* which is upwardly inclined as clearly shown in Fig.l 2, the man-hole and a? and a* Supported from the top of the receptacle A by a suitable bracket is a. cylindrical tank E which forms a washing chamber and into which leads from the generating chamber a ipe e. The pi e e leads fIOm the genera ing chamber I thereof and into the top of the washing chamber E and depends therethrough to a point near its bottom, the pipe e bein perforated at its lower end 1n the .cham er' E as disclosed at e in Fig. 5. A pipe g which is connected with a suitable water supply extends downwardly through the top o the chamber E to a point near its bottom, While a stand-pipe e1! leads downwardly through the bottom of the chamber E and eXteriorly thereof is recurved and then o ens into the mixing chamber C, the pipe es aving a diaphragm e* supported slightly above the opening in its top within the chamber E. The chamber E is provided With an outlet pipe e through its top. It sometimes is advisable to subject the gas drawn off from the washing chamber E to a second washing before it is iinally led to a storage or consuming plant, and in the drawing We have shown the draw-off pipe c2 exten ing from the Washing chamber E through the top of a second washing chamber F and downwardly therein to a point near its bottom. The chamber F is provided with an outlet pipe f which leads finally to the gas storing or consuming plant, but the gas may also escape through the pipe f into the generating chamber B. Although a second washing of the gas is sometimes advisable, it is not always necessary, and in the latter case, the gas will be conducted directly from the chamber E to the storage or consuming plant. 1n either case the pipe f will be in direct communication with the gasometer. lVe have shown the tank G arranged on a suitable frame work supported by the receptacle A as constituting a convenient form of Water supply for the generator. This tank G has a pipe g extending downwardly into the washing chamber E as has been described. The inlet into the tank G is controlled by a float operated valve g2, While the outlet through the pipe g is controlled by a floating discharge valve which is operated by a chain device g', by which the valve may be pulled from its seat, this Water tank thus being the familiar flush tank.

In the operation of the device a suitable amount of bleaching owder is put into the mixing chamber. his may be conveniently done by raking or shoveling it out of the usual packages in which it is bought and sold, one form of4 which is shown at c in Fig. 3. The stirring mechanism is then started and the iiush valve of the tank G opened by pulling upon the chain, whereupon the water content 'of G is run into the mixing chamber by way of the washer E near the topV and the pipe e. The water and bleaching owder are mixed together and the powder is washed down the pipe b into the generating chamber. Previously, however, to such mixture being washed down, it has been thoroughly stirred by the arms d in the mixing chamber carried by the vertical shaft, so that any lumps of material would be broken up, and it is further ground to a suitable fineness by the coperating projections d and a on the shaft and the partition, which thus form a grinder. The catalyzer may be added to the bleaching powder and Water if desired, but we have found it convenient to mix up the small amount of catalyzer required with water in a pail and to throw it into the mixing chamber just after the bleaching powder has been washed down. We then add a second pail of water to insure that the catalyzer has been Washed out of the pipe b into the mixing chamber. This feature of practice will vary with the nature of the catalyzer used and the temperature at which the liberation of oxygen begins. fThe mixture of powder, catalyzer and Water passes down through the pipe into the generating chamber Where the reactions occur, and these reactions are considerably hurried by the stirring arms carried in such chamber by the rotating shaft. The temperature of the mass Within the generating chamber is raised by leading directly into such chamber steam through the steam inlet pipe, or, if preferred, by any other application of heat. The reactions result in the liberation of oxygen gas which rises Within the generating chamber and flows ofi' through the pipe c which leads into the washing chamber. 1t there passes upwardly through the Water which is standing in said chamber and is thus Washed of any foam and spray which accompanies the gas as it is liberated from the generating chamber. The gas after being thus washed may, as has been indicated, be led directly to where it is to be used. Under Some circumstances, however, the generated oxygen may be accompanied by a small amount of chlorin, and if so, it is desirable that this chlorin be Washed out. This may be conveniently done by leading the gas through the second washing chamber which is charged with an alkaline solution such as caustic soda. It may be noted that the alkaline solution Will neutralize but very slowly, and hence need not be relenished except at infrequent intervals.

he spent charge in the generating chamber is then drawn o' through the draw-oil'l pipe, and as this is done oxygen renters the generating chamber through the pipe f which leads from the delivery pipe f and the gas Stora e (not shown) and fills the generator in vo ume equal to that of the spent charge of liquor which is drawn oli. Oxygen only is therefore found above the liquor level within the chamber, and rentrance of air into the generator is effectively provided against.

The apparatus as a whole, therefore provides a cheap, simple and extremely eflicient means for generating oxygen, and it, of course, may be equally adapted to the generation of other gases where such generation involves the mixing of a granular or powdered solid with a li uid and with or without a catalyzer, and t e subsequent elevation of the temperature of the mixture. It will be noted that the stirring aims which are adapted to stir the mixture in both the generating and the mixing chambers are carried and actuated by the-same shaft which passes down through the pipe connecting the two chambers, and therefore, a distinct advan tage is secured in the obviation of any necessity for a stuing box for the shaft where it passes into the generating chamber. 'Ihe grinder is also conveniently connected with the same shaft, and so the grinding and constant stirring of the material is effected b y the simple rotation of a single shaft. This thorough mixing and grinding of the material both before' andi while it is in, the generating chamber, greatly increases the rapidity of the reactions, and hence the capacity of the machine. Furthermore, the

washing chamber, through which the gas is washed, is so connected with the mixing chamber that any foam and spray escaping thereinto with the gas and retained in such washing chamber will be again washed back by the water supply into the mixing chamber when the next charge of water is introduced. The diaphragm supported above the standpipe in the washing chamber revente the whirl of water thereinto from awing with it oxygen contained in the washin chamber.

It may be additionally note that the various washing chambers and the enerating chamber are provided exterior y with glass gages a5 so that the attendant may easily ascertain at all times the amount of liquid contained within the respective chambers. The generating chamber is provided with a thermometer a whereby the temperature of the mass within such chamber may be easil noted, and the chamber is also provide with a man-hole which will, at desired intervals, permit a thorough cleaning of the apparatus.

Although the water tank -G with its inlet and outlet valves as shown is not essential to the operation of the device and any source of water may be used which will furnish it in suiicient quantities, yet we find the arrangement shown to have the advantage of maintaining automatically a roughly measured quantity of water instantly available ,ing chamber, a mixin for the charge. Other means of controlling device in said mixing chamber, a washing chamber, connections from the washing chamber to the mixing chamber and connections from the generating chamber to the washing chamber.

2. A gas generator, comprising a generatchamber separate therefrom but connecte therewith, a mixing device in said mixing chamber, a washing chamber,` connections from the washing lchamber to the mixing chamber, said connections being sealed against the escape of gas therethrough, and connections from the generating chamber to the washing chamber.

3. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber separate therefrom but connected therewith, a washing chamber connected` with said generating and mixing chambersandmeans for heating said generating chamber.

4. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixin therefrom but connecte therewith, a Washing chamber connected with said generating and mixing chambers, and a steam pipe connected to said generating chamber and to a suitable source of supply.

5. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber connected therewith, a washing chamber, a stand-pipe in said washing chamber and opening into the mixing chamber, said pipe being sealed against the escape of gas therethrough, and a pipe extending from the generating chamberY- into the washing chamber and opening into the latter chamber near the bottom thereof. Y

6. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber connected therewith, a washin chamber, connections from the washing c amber to the mixing chamber, connections from the generating chamber to the washing chamber, and a fiuid supply tank adapted to discharge a quantity of fluid into said Washing chamber.

7. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber connected therewith, a washin chamber, connections from the washing c amber to the mixing chamber separate chamber, connections from the generating chamber to the Washin chamber, a fluid supply tank adapted to ischarge a quantity of fluid into said washing chamber, and a. second washing chamber connected with said first-named Washing chamber.

8. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber connected therewith, a washing chamber, connections from the Washin chamber to the mixing chamber, connections from the generating chamber to the Washing chamber, a fluid supply tank adapted to discharge a quan tity of fluid into said washing chamber, and a second washing chamber connected with said first-named Washing chamber and with said generating chamber.

9. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber connected therewith, grinding means disposed in the connections between said chambers, and a washing chamber connected with said generating and mixing chambers.

10. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber connected therewith, a Washing chamber, grinding means disposed in the connections between said generating and mixing chambers, connections from the washing chamber to the mixing chamber, and connections from the generating chamber to the Washing chamber.

11. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber, a pipe opening from the mixing chamber into the generating chamber, said mixing chamber being provided with projections adjacent the opening of said pipe 1n such chamber, and a rotatable shaft extending through said pipe, said shaft being provided with projections adapted to cooperate with said first-named projections to form a grinder.

12. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber, means for stirring the contents of the generating chamber, means for stirring the contents of the i mixing chamber, and means adapted to si- `multaneously actuate both of said stirring means.

13. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber, a rotatable shaft extending through both of said chambers, arms secured to said shaft within 'the mixing chamber, and arms secured Ito said shaft within the generating chamber.

14. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber, a pipe connecting said chambers, a rotatable shaft extending through said pipe, arms secured to said shaft Within the mixing chamber, and arms secured to said shaft Within the generating chamber.

15. A gas generator, comprising a gener ating chamber, a mixing chamber, a pipe connecting said chambers, a rotatable shaft extending through said pipe, arms secured to said shaft within the mixing chamber, and arms secured to said shaft within the generating chamber, said mixing chamber being provided with projections intermediate the opening of said pipe in such chamber and said arms, and said shaft being provided with projections adapted to coperate with said first-named projections to form a grinder.

16. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber, a pipe connecting said chambers, a .rotatable shaft extending through said pipe, arms secured to said shaft Within the mixing chamber, arms secured to said shaft Within the generating chamber, a Washing chamber, connections from said washing chamber to the mixing chamber, and connections from the generating chamber to the washing chamber.

17. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber, a pipe connecting said chambers, a rotatable shaft extending through said` pipe, arms secured to said shaft within the mixin chamber, arms secured to said shaft Within the generating chamber, a Washing chamber, connections from said washing chamber to the mixing chamber, connections from the generating chamber to the washing chamber, and a fluid supply tank adapted to discharge a quantity o fluid into said washing chamber.

18. A gas generator, comprising generatingmeans, mixing means, gas Washin means, and means for discharging fluid through said washing means into sald mixing means.

19. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixin chamber, a washing chamber, and means or discharging {iuid through the washing chamber into the mixing chamber.

20. A gas generator, comprising a generating chamber, a mixing chamber, a washing chamber, connections from the mixing chamber to the generating chamber, connections from the generating chamber to the washing chamber, and means for disi charging fluid through said washing chainating chamber, a mixing chamber, a washing chamber, connections from the mixing chainber to the generating chamber, connections from the generating chamber to the washing chamber, a stand-pipe in said washing chamber and opening into the mixing chamber, means for discharging fluid into said washing chamber, and a second washing chamber connected with said rst-named washing chamber.

Signed by us this 15th day of August,

THOS. GRISWOLD, JR. EDWIN O. BARSTOW. Attested by- -ROY WALLIS,

G. LEE CAMP.

It is hereby certified that Letters Patent No. 1,140,373, granted May 25, 1915,

upon the application of Thomas Griswold, Jr., and Edwin O. Barstow, of Midland,

Michigan, for an improvement in Oxygen-Generators," were erroneously issued to The Cleveland Trust Company, o Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio, es trustee, Whereas said Letters Patent should have been issued to The Dow Chemical Company,

of Midland, Michigan, a corporation of Michigan, as owner of the entire interest in said invention, as shown by the records of assignments in this oflice; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 27th day of July, A. D., 1915.

[SEAL] 0 R. F. WHITEHEAD,

Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

